Rob Kitson, writing for the The Guardian, pays tribute to those players we may never see on the international scene again.
"It is not always the result of a game that defines great players. Sometimes it is how they react to failure or crushing disappointment, particularly at a World Cup. This tournament will be remembered for what happens over the next 12 days, but the dignified exits of Brian O'Driscoll, Mario Ledesma, Victor Matfield and Mils Muliaina will also linger long in the memory.
There is something particularly life-affirming about watching true rugby gladiators depart the ultimate stage for the final time. Unlike cricket, there is no one to give them a raised-bat salute in the evening shadows; too many, as was the case with Muliaina and Bakkies Botha, end their Test playing days in the harsh light of the medical room, the message delivered with a quiet shake of the head from the doctor rather than a standing ovation from the fans outside."
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